The School District No. 5 (SD5) Board of Education has hired a new secretary-treasurer, Alan Rice, following the retirement of long-serving Secretary-Treasurer, Rob Norum, which was announced earlier this week.

According to Frank Lento, Board Chair, the secretary-treasurer is responsible for SD5’s annual budget of just under $75 million, ensuring there is adequate educational space in well-maintained facilities for over 5,500 students, transportation, payroll and other accounting duties.

Given the magnitude of the position, the board retained the services of Dr. Leroy Sloan, PhD, president of Sloan Consultants, to assist them in their search for a new secretary-treasurer. Sloan is a former educator, BC school superintendent and Alberta Deputy Minister and Senior Education Advisor to the Alberta School Boards’ Association.

Born in Lethbridge, Alberta, Rice is currently a Senior Manager with BDO Canada LLP. He has over 15 years’ experience in the field of accounting and is an accredited Certified Public Accountant (CPA, CA), previously obtaining the Chartered Accountant (CA) designation in both Alberta and B.C.

Rice completed his Chartered Director (C.Dir.) designation from McMaster University in 2010, his Master of Professional Accounting (M.PAcc.) degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 2005, and his Bachelors of Management (BMgt) degree from the University of Lethbridge in 2003.

Rice moved from Calgary, Alberta, to Kimberley, in 2012 with his wife, Lindsay, and his two children who currently attend school in Kimberley. Since moving to B.C., Rice has been active in the community as a minor hockey coach and served on the Kimberley/Cranbrook 2018 55+ BC Games. Rice has also been involved with a number of other not-for-profit boards throughout the years in both Alberta and B.C. He enjoys spending time with his family, taking advantage of the great East Kootenay lifestyle.

According to Lento, it was a very tight competition for the secretary-treasurer position, due to the calibre of the candidates the district received.

“We need someone with a broad education and varied professional experience to draw on,” Lento said. “Equally important is the ability for that person to form honest, respectful relationships with the board, staff and stakeholders of SD5. Given these needs, the board felt that Alan would be the best fit for the district.”

Rice, a self-proclaimed life-learner, says he has always been passionate about education and he intends to be a strong advocate for both operating and capital funding for the district.

“I hope to be as strong an advocate as my predecessor, Mr. [Rob] Norum and to continue the legacy of financial stability and taxpayer accountability the district has enjoyed under his leadership,” said Rice. “I realize I have extremely large boots to fill, but I’m up for the challenge.”

Rice will begin work with the District as of April 1. Outgoing Secretary- Treasurer, Rob Norum, has agreed to continue on with the district in a consulting/mentoring role for the foreseeable future to ensure a smooth transition.

SD5

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